The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is a mandatory fee that most international visitors must pay when entering New Zealand. The IVL helps fund infrastructure, conservation projects, and tourism services that support the country’s natural environment and visitor experience. If you are planning a trip to New Zealand, understanding the IVL – who needs to pay it, how much it costs, and how to pay – is an essential part of your travel preparation.
What Is the New Zealand IVL?
The IVL is a levy introduced by the New Zealand Government to ensure that international visitors contribute to the upkeep of the country’s conservation efforts and tourism infrastructure. The revenue collected from the IVL is invested in projects that protect New Zealand’s unique natural heritage, including biodiversity conservation, Department of Conservation (DOC) programmes, and improvements to visitor facilities across the country.
The IVL was first introduced on 1 October 2019 at a rate of NZD $35 per person. In 2024, the New Zealand Government increased the IVL to NZD $100 to better reflect the true cost of tourism’s impact on infrastructure and the environment.
Who Needs to Pay the IVL?
The IVL applies to most international visitors coming to New Zealand, including:
- Tourists visiting for holidays or sightseeing
- Working holiday visa holders
- Some student visa holders
- Certain work visa holders
- Transit passengers (with some exceptions – see exemptions below)
The IVL is collected at the same time as your visa application or New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) request. You cannot enter New Zealand without having paid the IVL if it applies to your nationality and visa type.
How Much Is the IVL?
The current IVL rate is NZD $100 per person. This fee is a one-time payment per visit and is valid for the duration of your visa or NZeTA. The IVL is non-refundable once your visa or NZeTA has been granted, even if your travel plans change.
How to Pay the IVL
Paying the IVL is straightforward and is done online as part of your visa or NZeTA application process:
- Apply for your NZeTA or visa through the official Immigration New Zealand website or the NZeTA mobile app.
- The IVL is automatically added to your application fee during the payment step.
- Pay online using a credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment methods.
- Receive confirmation – your IVL payment is recorded against your passport and linked to your travel authorisation.
If you are applying through a third-party visa service or travel agent, ensure that the IVL has been included in your application. The IVL must be paid before you board your flight or cruise to New Zealand.
IVL Exemptions
Not everyone needs to pay the IVL. The following categories of travellers are exempt:
Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents
Australian citizens and permanent residents are fully exempt from the IVL under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement. If you hold an Australian passport or permanent residency visa, you do not need to pay the IVL when entering New Zealand.
Pacific Island Nations
Citizens of the following Pacific Island countries are exempt from the IVL:
- American Samoa
- Cook Islands
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Marshall Islands
- Micronesia (Federated States)
- Nauru
- Niue
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Pitcairn Islands
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
Transit Passengers
Passengers who are transiting through Auckland International Airport and do not leave the airport transit area are exempt from the IVL. This applies to travellers connecting to flights to other countries without passing through New Zealand immigration.
Other Exemptions
- Business Visitor Visa holders
- APEC Business Travel Card holders with a valid NZL endorsement
- Holders of certain diplomatic or official visas
- Crew members of aircraft and ships
Where Does the IVL Money Go?
Revenue from the IVL is allocated to two main areas:
Conservation
A significant portion of IVL funding goes toward protecting New Zealand’s unique biodiversity and natural landscapes. This includes:
- Predator control and eradication programmes
- Habitat restoration projects
- Maintenance of national parks and conservation areas
- Protection of native species such as kiwi, kea, and tuatara
Tourism Infrastructure
IVL funds also support improvements to visitor infrastructure across the country, including:
- Upgrades to DOC tracks, huts, and campgrounds
- Development of visitor information centres
- Improvements to public facilities at popular tourist sites
- Investment in sustainable tourism initiatives
IVL and the NZeTA
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is required for citizens of visa waiver countries who wish to visit New Zealand for up to 90 days. The IVL is collected at the same time as the NZeTA application. If you need an NZeTA, you must pay the IVL as part of the same process.
The NZeTA costs NZD $17 when applied for through the mobile app, or NZD $23 when applied for online. The IVL of NZD $100 is added on top of the NZeTA fee, making the total cost NZD $117 (app) or NZD $123 (online) per person.
IVL and Cruise Ship Passengers
Cruise ship passengers visiting New Zealand are generally required to pay the IVL if they are from a country that requires an NZeTA or visa. The IVL applies regardless of whether you disembark at New Zealand ports. However, passengers who are only transiting through New Zealand waters without stopping may be exempt – check with your cruise operator or Immigration New Zealand for specific guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IVL refundable?
No. The IVL is non-refundable once your visa or NZeTA has been granted. This applies even if you cancel your trip, change your travel dates, or decide not to travel to New Zealand.
Do children need to pay the IVL?
Yes. The IVL applies to all travellers regardless of age, including infants and children. Each person, including minors, must have their own IVL payment recorded against their passport.
Do I need to pay the IVL for each entry to New Zealand?
The IVL covers the full duration of your visa or NZeTA. If you hold a multiple-entry NZeTA (valid for 2 years), you only need to pay the IVL once when you first apply. However, if you apply for a new visa or NZeTA after the previous one expires, you will need to pay the IVL again.
Can I pay the IVL on arrival in New Zealand?
No. The IVL must be paid before you travel to New Zealand, as part of your visa or NZeTA application. You cannot pay the IVL at the airport or border.
What happens if I don’t pay the IVL?
If the IVL applies to you and you have not paid it, your visa or NZeTA application will not be processed. You will not be able to board your flight or cruise to New Zealand without a valid travel authorisation that includes the IVL payment.
Is the IVL the same as a visa fee?
No. The IVL is a separate levy from the visa or NZeTA application fee. Both must be paid as part of your application. The visa fee covers the cost of processing your application, while the IVL funds conservation and tourism infrastructure.
Tips for Travellers
- Apply early – Submit your NZeTA or visa application well in advance of your travel date to allow time for processing. NZeTA applications can take up to 72 hours.
- Budget for the IVL – Include the NZD $100 IVL in your travel budget alongside your visa fees, flights, and accommodation.
- Keep records – Save your IVL payment confirmation and NZeTA or visa approval email. You may need to present these at check-in or immigration.
- Check exemptions – Before applying, verify whether you qualify for an IVL exemption based on your nationality or visa type.
- Use official channels – Always apply for your NZeTA or visa through the official Immigration New Zealand website or the NZeTA mobile app to avoid scams or inflated fees from third-party services.
